In May 2022, an global outbreak of Mpox (previously known as Monkeypox) began. As of March 1, 2023, more than 86,000 people world wide have been identified as cases of Mpox. We are conducted a study to explore the associations between communication of knowledge and uncertainty during the early days of the current Mpox outbreak with behaviors that are suspected to be the key transmission pathways for this outbreak.
Why did we ask people to be in this research study?
We wanted to learn more about the situation surrounding Mpox infections and the communications that were received prior to and since then infection.
What happened in the research study?
Participants were asked to complete a confidential survey about them, and their experiences with Mpox. The survey took around 20 minutes to complete and aimed to inform current and future research about providing information to the population during an infectious disease outbreak.
We did not collect any personally identifiable information and all survey data was stored as password-protected, encrypted files that only key researchers may access.
Did any part of the research study hurt participants?
There was a chance that during this research study participants could feel uncomfortable answering questions about recent infections or beliefs, opinions, or experiences with Mpox. All questions were optional and participants could answer as many or as few questions as they were comfortable answering.
Who saw the information about participants?
We did not collect any identifiable information and did not track any information including IP addresses. While we did not collect any identifiable information, all responses to the survey were securely stored in independent locations as secure, password-protected, encrypted files in order to ensure absolute minimal risk for identification.
Will the research study help participants or anyone else?
There were no foreseeable risks or direct benefits to participants. Researchers hoped the study would better inform health care providers, hospitals, public health officials, and governments to better prepare for future public health emergencies.
What if you have any questions about the research study?
If you have any questions, complaints or if you feel you have been harmed by this research please contact the researchers, Kimberley Shoaf, a Professor of Public Health at the University of Utah at kimberley.shoaf@utah.edu.
If you have questions about your rights or any questions, complaints, or concerns you do not feel you can talk about with the research staff, you may contact the University of Utah Institutional Review Board (IRB) by phone at (801) 581-3655 or by e-mail at irb@hsc.utah.edu.
Recruitment Summary
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